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"Song 2"
Single by Blur
from the album Blur
B-side
  • "Get Out of Cities"
  • "Polished Stone"
  • "Bustin' + Dronin'"
  • "Country Sad Ballad Man" (live acoustic)
Released7 April 1997 (1997-04-07)
StudioMayfair (London, England)
Genre
Length2:02
Label
Songwriters
ProducerStephen Street
Blur singles chronology
"Beetlebum"
(1997) 		"Song 2"
(1997) 		"On Your Own"
(1997)
Audio sample
"Song 2" by Blur
Music video
"Song 2" on YouTube

"Song 2" is a song by English rock band Blur. It is the second song on their eponymous fifth studio album. Released physically on 7 April 1997, "Song 2" peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, number four on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, and charted in the United States; it peaked at number 55 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, number 6 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart, staying on that chart for 26 weeks. "Song 2" is certified triple platinum in the UK.

At the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, "Song 2" was nominated for Best Group Video, and Best Alternative Video.[1] At the 1998 Brit Awards, the song was nominated for Best British Single, and Best British Video.[2] In 1998, BBC Radio 1 listeners voted "Song 2" the 15th Best Track Ever.[3] In 2011, NME placed it number 79 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years".[4]

Background

[edit]

According to Graham Coxon, "Song 2" was intended to be a joke on the record company.[5] Damon Albarn had recorded an acoustic demo of the song which was slower and contained the song's distinctive "woo-hoo" chorus in whistle form. Coxon then suggested that they pump up the speed and perform the song loudly, with Coxon deliberately seeking out an amateurish guitar sound.[6] From there, Coxon told Albarn to tell the record company that they wanted to release the song as a single to "blow the flipping record labels' heads off".[5] To Coxon's surprise, record executives reacted positively. When asked if the band had any idea of the song's commercial appeal, Coxon replied, "We'd just thought it was way too extreme".[5]

The track was originally nicknamed "Song 2" as a working title which represented its slot in the tracklist, but the name stuck.[7] The song is two minutes and two seconds long, with two verses, two choruses and a hook featuring Albarn yelling "woo-hoo!" as the distorted bass comes in. It is the second song on Blur's self-titled album, as well as Blur: The Best Of, and was the second single released from the former album.[8]

Some writers have stated that the song is intended to be a parody of the grunge genre,[8][9] while others state that it was a parody of radio hits and the music industry with a punk rock chorus.[10]

Genres and influences

[edit]

Musically, the song has been labelled alternative rock,[11][12] indie rock,[13][14] or punk rock.[15] PopMatters described the song as a "[pastiche] [of] Seattle grunge and grubby lo-fi indie rock".[16] Rolling Stone Australia called it "frankly grunge-flavoured".[17]

Reception

[edit]

A reviewer from Music Week wrote: "This punky, new wavathon is more immediate than most of the cuts from their new album and all the better for the catchy 'woo-hoo' bits."[18] David Sinclair from The Times noted "the American garageband banging and crashing" of the song.[19]

In the UK, "Song 2" built upon the success of Blur's chart-topping single "Beetlebum" to reach number two in the charts.[20] It was also popular on radio stations in the US; consequently, it went at number 55 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, number 6 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart, staying on that chart for 26 weeks, and number 25 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.[21] It also placed number two on Triple J's Hottest 100 for 1997 in Australia. The song is atypical of Blur's previous style. The song's intro has been called Graham Coxon's "finest moment".[22] NME ranked "Song 2" at number two in its end-of-year list of the Top 20 Singles of 1997,[23] and later listed it as one of the best songs from the 1990s.[24]

The song has become a fixture in sports stadiums as well.[25] It has been used in multiple FIFA video games, namely FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 and FIFA 23.

Music video

[edit]

The music video for this song was directed by Sophie Muller, and it features the band playing in a small, secluded room with loud amplifiers behind them. During the choruses, the volume of the song sends the band members crashing against the walls and ground. The set used was modelled on that in the video for their pre-breakthrough single "Popscene".

In 2022, the band uploaded a video onto their YouTube channel called “Song 2 Take 2”, which shows previously unreleased footage of the video being shot in a single take. It was released in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the album.[26]

Live performances

[edit]

On 20 October 2018, at the Demon Dayz Fest LA, Damon Albarn's other well-known band Gorillaz played the familiar Song 2 theme but in characteristic Gorillaz style with dub/funk elements. While recognition was still dawning on the audience, Graham Coxon joined Gorillaz onstage and launched into his original riff before he and Gorillaz went on to perform the classic arrangement to an enthusiastic reception.[27]

Albarn would play "Song 2" at the end of his only 2022 U.S. solo performance to promote The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows. Before he began, Albarn commented that he was asked if he'd perform the song by Los Angeles Times journalist Mikael Wood, "before [Wood] cast [Albarn] into the social media abyss".[28]

Covers and sampling

[edit]

My Chemical Romance played the song at BBC Radio 1.[29] The cover was later featured on the album "Radio 1's Live Lounge", released on 11 October 2006.

Big Time Rush's 2012 single Windows Down includes samples of Song 2.[30]

In 2014, Imagine Dragons played Song 2 at Lollapalooza Brazil and again in 2016 at Reading Festival.[31][32]

In 2024, the song was heavily sampled by UK Hip-Hop artist Jeshi in his track "Total 90",[33] which was featured during ITV Sport's coverage of England's Euro 2024 semi-final.

Track listings

[edit]

All music was composed by Albarn, Coxon, James and Rowntree. All lyrics were written by Albarn.

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[65] Gold 35,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[66] Gold 45,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[67] 2× Platinum 200,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[68] 3× Platinum 90,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[69] Platinum 60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[70] 3× Platinum 1,800,000‡

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States 17 February 1997 Alternative radio Virgin [71]
United Kingdom 7 April 1997
  • CD
  • cassette
[72]
Japan 8 May 1997 CD [73]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Song 2

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Song 2" is a song by the English rock band Blur, serving as the second track and second single from their eponymous fifth studio album, Blur, released on 7 April 1997. The track, clocking in at exactly two minutes and two seconds, features a raw, riff-driven sound with frontman Damon Albarn's signature "woo-hoo!" shouts punctuating the chorus, and it was composed by the band's core members: Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree. Originally conceived as a tongue-in-cheek parody of American grunge and radio-friendly rock, the song's simple structure—two verses, two choruses, and a heavy bass drop—belies its explosive energy and enduring appeal. Upon release, "Song 2" achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and spending three weeks in the top 40. In the United States, it reached number six on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart (then known as Modern Rock Tracks) and number 55 on the Radio Songs chart, marking Blur's biggest stateside hit and helping introduce their transatlantic shift from Britpop to a lo-fi, American-influenced sound. The single's B-side, "Get Out of Cities," complemented its experimental vibe, but it was the A-side's infectious hook that propelled it to international recognition, including a number four placement on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia and number ten in Ireland. Beyond charts, "Song 2" has become a cultural staple, frequently licensed for sports events, advertisements, and films due to its high-energy anthem quality—often blasting through stadium speakers to rally crowds. Critically, it received for subverting expectations of Blur's polished era, with Coxon later recalling in interviews that the band recorded it quickly to poke fun at their label's demands for a hit, using fuzz pedals, dual drum kits, and live vocals for an authentic, gritty feel. Its legacy endures as Blur's most streamed and performed track, symbolizing their 1997 reinvention and influencing subsequent acts with its blend of irony and .

Background and recording

Development

Following their bruising experiences in the Britpop scene and a poorly received tour in 1995, where they were overshadowed by Oasis, Blur decided to pivot away from their orchestral, quintessentially British sound toward the raw, lo-fi aesthetics of American for what would become their self-titled . This conceptual reinvention was spearheaded by guitarist , who immersed himself in influences like Pavement and , aiming to inject a more experimental, noise-driven edge into their music. The album's development was marked by internal tensions, particularly between Coxon and vocalist , as Coxon grew frustrated with Albarn's dominant role in songwriting and direction after years of polished output. Albarn, responding to the band's creative crossroads, began crafting shorter, more visceral songs to capture this transitional energy, including what would become "Song 2," initially envisioned as a brief, upbeat number to contrast the album's darker tones. Amid these dynamics, the track emerged from collaborative jamming sessions where Coxon advocated for simplicity to counter his own history of intricate guitar parts. Rehearsals in yielded the song's foundational , with Albarn starting it as a laid-back bossa nova-inspired piece featuring a gentle "woo-hoo" as a temporary vocal placeholder. Coxon then proposed ramping up the and layering heavy on his guitar, transforming it into an exaggerated of grunge's bombast—a deliberate on the overblown trends the band had encountered. The working title "Song 2" stemmed from its sequential placement in early tracklists, and placeholder lyrics were used humorously during these sessions, reflecting the band's playful yet uncertain approach. Though the band initially questioned the track's stripped-down structure and potential as a mere throwaway amid the album's ambitious experimentation, they ultimately retained it for its infectious, high-octane punch, which aligned with Coxon's vision of scaring listeners and revitalizing Blur's sound.

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for "Song 2" took place primarily in June 1996 at in , with the band relocating midway through production to a studio in , to finalize the track and the broader album. Producer played a key role in shaping the song's raw, distorted guitar sound, employing vintage Marshall amps and cabinets to amplify Graham Coxon's riff, which was layered for added intensity and texture. Damon Albarn's vocal performance featured an spontaneous ad-lib of the iconic "Woo-hoo!" chorus, contributing to the track's energetic, unpolished delivery. To achieve the high-energy punk feel, Dave Rowntree's drumming was captured using two separate kits set up in the studio, allowing for a lo-fi, explosive entry that contrasted with the initial small-sounding percussion.

Musical style

Genres and influences

"Song 2" is primarily classified as an alternative rock track, incorporating elements of punk rock through its raw energy and short, explosive structure. The song draws heavily from lo-fi production techniques and American indie rock aesthetics, reflecting Blur's pivot toward transatlantic sounds during the recording of their self-titled 1997 album. These influences emerged prominently after the band's challenging 1995 U.S. tour supporting Parklife, which exposed them to thriving American indie scenes and prompted a deliberate shift away from the polished Britpop style associated with their rivalry against Oasis. Guitarist Graham Coxon, a key architect of the track's sound, was particularly shaped by American noise rock acts, citing admiration for bands like Sonic Youth, Pavement, and Dinosaur Jr., whose noisy, distortion-heavy guitar work informed the song's abrasive edge. Coxon's affinity for these groups led to an intentional embrace of grunge and lo-fi textures, evident in the track's fuzzy guitars and aggressive dynamics, which contrasted sharply with traditional Britpop melodies. Influences from the Pixies also played a role, with the song's dynamic shifts and ironic tone echoing their punk-infused alternative rock style, though Blur infused it with their own satirical bite toward grunge tropes. This blend resulted in a raw, confrontational sound that prioritized visceral aggression over melodic refinement, marking a departure from the band's earlier work.

Composition and structure

"Song 2" follows a simple verse-chorus structure characterized by minimal lyrics and high energy, consisting of two short verses, two choruses dominated by the repetitive "Woo-hoo!" hook, and an abrupt ending after a final outburst of the hook. The song begins with four iterations of "Woo-hoo!" delivered over building guitar riffs, leading into the first verse: "I got my head checked / By a jumbo jet / It wasn't easy / But nothing is, no," before exploding into the chorus where Damon Albarn shouts "Woo-hoo!" amid lyrics like "When I feel heavy metal / And I'm pins and I'm needles." A second verse follows with "I got my head done / When I was young / It's not my problem / It's not my problem," transitioning back to the chorus, and the track cuts off suddenly after the closing "Woo-hoo!" repetitions, lasting exactly 2:02 in total. The lyrics, written by Albarn, are deliberately surreal and nonsensical, capturing of urban disorientation and through absurd imagery such as mishaps and . This brevity in lyrical content—limited to just a few lines per section—amplifies the track's raw, immediate impact, prioritizing rhythm and attitude over narrative depth. In terms of musical architecture, "Song 2" is composed in the key of at of 130 beats per minute (BPM), propelling its fast-paced, aggressive feel. The centers on power chords played on heavily distorted guitars with prominent feedback, creating a wall of sound that underscores the verses and erupts in the choruses. The simplicity of this setup, with its emphasis on riff-driven propulsion and minimal harmonic variation, echoes punk rock's influence on the song's direct, no-frills construction.

Release and promotion

Track listings

"Song 2" was issued as a single on April 7, 1997, in various physical formats across regions, featuring the album version as the lead track alongside exclusive B-sides recorded specifically for the release. The editions included two distinct CD singles and a 7-inch vinyl, each with different non-album tracks. International variants, such as the and European CDs, largely mirrored the CD1 configuration, while promotional copies often contained radio-friendly versions or abbreviated hooks for airplay. A limited Japanese tour-exclusive CD compiled tracks from both singles.

UK releases

FormatLabel/CatalogTrack listing
CD1 (CDFOODS93)1. "Song 2" – 2:01
2. "Get Out of Cities" – 4:02
3. "Polished Stone" – 2:42
CD2 (CDFOOD93)1. "Song 2" – 2:01
2. "Bustin' + Dronin'" – 6:13
3. "Country Sad Ballad Man" (live acoustic version) – 4:01
7-inch vinyl (FOOD93)A. "Song 2" – 2:02
B. "Get Out of Cities" – 4:02
Picture sleeve with exclusive artwork depicting the band's cartoonish style.

US and international variants

Releases in the were limited to promotional formats that replicated the CD1 track listing, distributed by . A promotional CD (DPRO-12212) featured only "Song 2" alongside a 10-second call-out research hook for radio use, without additional remixes. European pressings followed the same format under (catalog 7243 8 83859 2 3). The Japanese edition (TOCP-50174), exclusive to the band's tour, expanded to an 8-track EP including "Song 2," "Get Out of Cities," "Polished Stone," and "Bustin' + Dronin'," plus other non-album material.

Marketing strategies

Food Records, Blur's UK label, made the unexpected decision to promote "Song 2" as the second single from the band's self-titled 1997 album, following the lead single "Beetlebum," even though the track was originally positioned as a secondary album cut by the band members. This choice marked a shift in strategy, as the label saw potential in the song's raw energy to broaden the album's appeal beyond the more introspective "Beetlebum." The promotion emphasized the track's concise, high-impact structure to capture radio and media attention in a post-Britpop landscape. The origins of this push stemmed from a playful gambit by the band, who presented "Song 2" to executives as an over-the-top parody of American , complete with distorted guitars and a deliberately abrasive vocal take, hoping to provoke a negative reaction and highlight their creative frustrations. later recalled that the demo was crafted to "scare them to death," expecting the label to reject its short length and extreme volume, but the executives instead championed it for release, turning the joke into a cornerstone of the single campaign. This backfired positively, as the label's enthusiasm led to focused marketing efforts that elevated the track from an afterthought to a flagship release. In the United States, distributed by , the strategy centered on securing heavy rotation on radio stations, which significantly amplified the song's transatlantic crossover success by aligning it with the era's dominant format. Promotional efforts also integrated the track with Blur's world tour supporting the album, where live performances became key showcases, alongside early music video airplay on to build visual momentum. Various promo formats, such as radio-only CDs, supported this targeted outreach to broadcasters.

Release history

"Song 2" first appeared as the second track on Blur's eponymous fifth studio album, Blur, which was released on February 10, 1997, by in the and internationally, including the . The song was issued as a standalone single in the on April 7, 1997, available in formats such as CD, 7-inch vinyl, and cassette, peaking at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, "Song 2" was not eligible for the Billboard Hot 100 as a commercial single but gained prominence through radio airplay beginning in April 1997, with promotional releases supporting its chart performance later that year; it reached number 55 on the Radio Songs chart (then known as Hot 100 Airplay). The track was reissued on July 30, 2012, as part of the comprehensive Blur 21 box set, which featured remastered versions of the band's first seven studio albums along with additional material. In 2023, coinciding with Blur's reunion tour and the release of their ninth studio album , digital versions of the 2012 remasters, including "Song 2," were prominently featured and made available on streaming platforms, enhancing accessibility for fans. No significant reissues or updates to the song have occurred through 2025.

Commercial performance

Weekly charts

"Song 2" entered various national singles charts in 1997 following its April release, achieving notable peaks and extended runs in several markets. In the , the track debuted and peaked at number 2 on the Official Singles Chart on April 19, 1997, holding that position for one week before spending a total of 7 weeks on the chart. The song also saw success in other regions, including where it reached number 10 on the and remained for 12 weeks, and where it peaked at number 15 on the chart on August 30, 1997, charting for 20 weeks. In , it climbed to number 4 on the Singles Chart during the week of June 29, 1997, marking Blur's highest-peaking single there. On the U.S. chart (then known as Modern Rock Tracks), "Song 2" peaked at number 6 during the week of August 9, 1997, after debuting in late May.
Chart (1997–1998)PeakWeeks on chart
Australia (ARIA)417
France (SNEP)1520
(IRMA)1012
UK Singles (OCC)27
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)626

Year-end charts

In 1997, "Song 2" achieved notable year-end rankings across major markets, underscoring its breakthrough as Blur's most internationally successful single to date. On the UK Singles Chart, it placed at No. 20, accumulating significant points from its peak at No. 2 and extended chart run. In the United States, the track ranked at No. 28 on Billboard's year-end Modern Rock Tracks chart, bolstered by its No. 6 peak and sustained airplay on alternative radio stations. Retrospective compilations of hits frequently rank "Song 2" within the top 100, highlighting its enduring impact as a defining alternative of the decade. No significant year-end re-entries occurred after 2000, as the song's chart momentum waned following its initial release cycle.
Chart (1997)Position
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)20
US Modern Rock Tracks ()28

Certifications

In the , "Song 2" was certified by the (BPI) on November 1, 1997, denoting sales of 600,000 units. By November 2024, the certification had been upgraded to 3× Platinum, reflecting combined sales and streaming equivalent units of 1,800,000. As of January 2025, "Song 2" surpassed 1 billion streams on . Following the integration of into criteria after 2020, "Song 2" became eligible for further upgrades across multiple territories due to sustained digital consumption, though no additional awards were issued by November 2025.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release as the second single from Blur's self-titled fifth studio in April 1997, ranked "Song 2" as the second-best track of the year. Rolling Stone highlighted the song's role in a punk revival, describing its grunge-flavored sound as a refreshing response to fatigue, exemplified by the distorted guitars and snarling vocals that piled on a flaky track before exploding into the chorus. reviews were mixed, with some critics viewing "Song 2" as a throwaway compared to the album's deeper, more experimental tracks like "," though its raw energy was acknowledged as a deliberate stylistic shift. Q Magazine commended the anthemic quality of the "Woo-hoo!" chorus, noting how it captured the band's evolution toward a more direct, high-impact rock sound.

Retrospective views

In the , "Song 2" consistently ranked highly in music polls, affirming its status as one of Blur's standout tracks and a enduring rock single. included it at number 105 in their 2014 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, highlighting its raw energy as a defining moment in . Similarly, retrospectives on Blur's catalog often positioned it among their top songs, such as in 's ranking of the band's 10 greatest hits where it placed sixth for its explosive brevity and anthemic appeal. During Blur's 2023 reunion tour and album release, coverage reaffirmed "Song 2" as a timeless alternative anthem, with critics emphasizing its lasting vitality. The Guardian ranked it first in their list of Blur's 20 greatest songs, describing it as "a timeless, two-minute blast of adrenaline" that captures the band's shift toward a more universal, high-octane sound. This praise echoed the initial excitement over its grunge-inspired vigor, now viewed through the lens of Blur's enduring influence on rock revivalism. Publications like The New York Times noted its global resonance, particularly in U.S. contexts, as a bridge from Britpop's British-centric roots to broader international acclaim. However, some retrospective critiques have pointed to the song's overexposure in advertising as a drawback, arguing it has diluted its original artistic edge. Academic perspectives have analyzed "Song 2"'s contribution to globalizing , viewing it as a pivotal track that expanded the genre's reach beyond the by parodying American and achieving transatlantic success. Claudia Lueders' 2016 PhD thesis on in 1990s argues that Britpop acts like Blur used such songs to project British identity internationally, fostering a between local cultural critique and global . This shift, exemplified by "Song 2"'s U.S. chart performance and sports arena ubiquity, helped marketize Britpop as a exportable phenomenon, blending national pride with worldwide accessibility as discussed in studies on and . In 2024, Pitchfork's review of Blur's live album Live at Wembley Stadium praised the band's performance of "Song 2" for its "burly credibility," affirming its enduring appeal in live settings.

Music video

Production

The music video for "Song 2" was directed by and released in 1997. In collaboration with Blur frontman , Muller crafted a low-budget concept parodying rock video clichés like wind machines and dramatic lighting, opting instead for a simple, abstract setup in a confined to capture the song's raw, high-energy vibe. The visuals feature the band performing intensely, with the power of their music depicted as physically slamming them against the wall during the chorus, achieved through the band's active involvement in —such as synchronized jumps on the "woo-hoo" —and interactions with props like oversized amplifiers simulating explosive force. Post-production effects, including speed manipulations and via trick editing and , amplified the chaotic, inverted-reality aesthetic to heighten the song's aggressive dynamics without relying on elaborate sets or effects.

Content and style

The music video for "Song 2", directed by , presents the band in an energetic performance within a stark, minimal setting, emphasizing raw and unpolished aesthetics through rapid pacing and intense visuals that evoke chaos and physical dynamism, including the appearance of the band being hurled about. This style subverts conventional rock video tropes by parodying clichés such as bands posed dramatically amid wind machines, smoke, lights, and , intended as a humorous take on the genre's excesses. Thematically, the video captures youthful rebellion and , with the band's high-energy delivery syncing to the track's explosive "Woo-hoo!" choruses to heighten the sense of unrestrained intensity and rejection of polished norms. Its playful critique of rock conventions unexpectedly resonated widely, earning an Video Music Award nomination for Best Group Video. Heavy rotation on in the late propelled the video to iconic status, solidifying its place as a defining visual artifact of alternative rock.

Legacy

Live performances

"Song 2" debuted live during Blur's 1997 tour supporting their self-titled album, with an early performance at the Hultsfred Festival in on June 15, 1996, ahead of the single's official release. The track quickly became a fixture in the band's setlists, particularly during their North American leg, where its high-energy delivery and anthemic "woo-hoo" chorus ignited crowds and helped propel Blur's breakthrough in the U.S. market. Following the band's hiatus, "Song 2" featured prominently in their 2009 reunion shows, including the headline slots at Hyde Park in London on July 2 and 3, where the performance extended to over five minutes with prolonged crowd participation in the "woo-hoo" chants. These gigs, captured on the live album All the People: Blur Live at Hyde Park, showcased the song's enduring appeal as a communal highlight. In 2023 and 2024, as part of The Ballad of Darren world tour, "Song 2" remained a setlist staple, delivering explosive moments at major venues like Wembley Stadium in London on July 8 and 9, 2023, and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2024. It served as a highlight in their Glastonbury Festival headline set on June 24, 2023, where the Pyramid Stage performance reinforced its status as a festival energizer. Throughout these years, the song's live arrangement has seen no significant alterations, retaining its raw, two-minute structure while allowing for natural extensions through audience interaction. The simplicity of its composition has aided this adaptability in concert settings. The 2023 Wembley performances were later released as the live album Live at Wembley Stadium in July 2024.

Covers and sampling

"Song 2" has inspired numerous covers across genres, often highlighting its energetic and "woo-hoo" chorus. In the rock realm, delivered a punk-infused version for 1's Live Lounge in 2006, capturing the track's raw aggression while integrating their style. Similarly, Papa Roach performed a high-energy live cover during their 2017 Crooked Teeth World Tour, later shared online in 2020, emphasizing the song's anthemic appeal to nu-metal audiences. Orchestral reinterpretations have also emerged, transforming the parody into elegant . The released an instrumental arrangement in 2008, stripping down the distortion for a sophisticated, violin-led rendition that accentuates the melody's hooks. This version exemplifies how the track's structure lends itself to classical adaptations, maintaining its playful intensity through bowed strings and percussion. The song's elements have been sampled extensively, particularly in pop and hip-hop, where the "woo-hoo" vocal and guitar riff provide catchy hooks. Big Time Rush incorporated multiple elements, including the chorus, into their 2012 single "Windows Down," blending it with teen pop production for a summery vibe. Ke$ha sampled the iconic "woo-hoo" in her 2012 demo "Woo Hoo," repurposing it as a party anthem chorus in her electro-pop style. These samplings underscore the original's influence on mainstream hits, as noted in retrospective analyses of Blur's impact on genre-blending. Post-2020, no major studio covers from established artists have surfaced, though the track saw a resurgence in fan tributes amid Blur's 2023 reunion announcements and shows, with amateur bands and online creators sharing enthusiastic renditions to celebrate the band's legacy. Examples include arrangements and orchestra performances posted during this period, reflecting grassroots enthusiasm rather than commercial releases.

Cultural impact

"Song 2" has become a staple in sports culture, particularly as an for high-energy moments. It served as the title track for the FIFA: Road to World Cup 98, introducing the song to a global audience of gamers and soccer fans and establishing its association with goal celebrations. In ice hockey, the of the NHL have used it as their goal song for years, contributing to its recognition in arena settings across . During the 2012 London Olympics, Blur performed the track live at the closing ceremony concert in Hyde Park, dedicating it to athlete and amplifying its celebratory vibe to an international audience. The song's explosive "woo-hoo!" chorus has permeated advertising and online culture, often evoking excitement and triumph. Online, the has inspired viral videos and memes, particularly in sports highlight reels and gaming montages, where its short, punchy structure lends itself to quick, adrenaline-fueled clips shared across platforms. Blur's 2023 reunion tour, including sold-out shows, reignited interest in the band's catalog, with "Song 2" seeing a significant streaming surge. The band's 2023-2024 reunion was further documented in the 2024 film blur: To the End, which includes footage of live performances and highlights the song's role in their enduring legacy.

Personnel

Recorded at ,

References

  1. https://genius.com/Blur-song-2-lyrics
  2. https://www.cbc.ca/music/read/woo-hoo-20-things-you-may-not-know-about-blur-s-song-2-1.5073586
  3. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/blur-song-2/
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  5. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Song%2B2%2Bby%2BBlur&id=5728
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  7. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/7MhMgCo0Bl0Kukl93PZbYS_songs.html
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  10. https://producelikeapro.com/blog/inside-the-song-song-2-by-blur-with-graham-coxon/
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  15. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/blur/song-2
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  18. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/26/graham-coxon-interview-i-was-a-mardy-brat-in-my-20s-blur
  19. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/the-rise-and-fall-of-britpop
  20. https://www.scaruffi.com/vol6/blur.html
  21. https://tunebat.com/Info/Song-2-Blur/0YZLy2PSpOA7Nw2Yg0Hfxa
  22. https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/blur/song-2
  23. https://www.justinguitar.com/songs/blur-song-2-chords-tabs-guitar-lesson-sb-326
  24. https://www.discogs.com/master/94777-Blur-Song-2
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/412324-Blur-Song-2
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/2069626-Blur-Song-2
  27. https://us.rarevinyl.com/products/blur-song-2-plus-obi-japanese-cd-single-cd5-tocp-50174-81386
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/385550-Blur-Song-2
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/2845217-Blur-Song-2
  30. https://eu.rarevinyl.com/products/blur-song-2-us-promo-cd-single-cd5-dpro-12212-83243
  31. https://www.discogs.com/release/368221-Blur-Song-2
  32. https://www.allmusic.com/album/blur-mw0000082694
  33. https://www.discogs.com/master/34508-Blur-Blur
  34. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/blur/song-2.p/
  35. https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/blur/facts-about-blurs-song-2/
  36. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Song+2+by+Blur&id=5728
  37. https://www.discogs.com/master/460605-Blur-Blur-21-The-Box
  38. https://www.uncut.co.uk/news/blur-announce-massive-reissue-campaign-37985/
  39. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blur/528564
  40. https://www.classicpopmag.com/news/blur-announce-surprise-new-album-the-ballad-of-darren/
  41. http://www.irish-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Blur&titel=Song%2B2&cat=s
  42. https://www.aria.com.au/charts/news/aria-charts-throwback-29-june-1997
  43. Jan 12, 2017 · Blur, “Song 2″ (No. 6, Alternative Songs; No. 55, Radio Songs). “Woo ... Airplay chart (now the Radio Songs chart). Frontman Brian ...
  44. Song 2. : Blur Date: 04/1997. From: Blur Comment: [US chart position is for Hot 100 Airplay charts] [album cut] written by Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, ...
  45. which, of course ...
  46. “Song 2” is the second single released from Blur's homonymous fifth album. It is a deeply catchy satire of grunge music.
  47. Jan 8, 2020 · "Song 2" was atypical, a joke to the label, poking fun at grunge, with live vocals, fuzz, two drum kits, and is 2:02 long.
  48. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-top-40-best-selling-singles-of-1997__33553/
  49. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1997/hot-modern-rock-tracks/
  50. https://www.melophobemusic.com/post/top-100-greatest-alternative-rock-songs-of-the-90s
  51. https://www.bpi.co.uk/
  52. https://worldmusicviews.com/50-cent-lauryn-hill-green-day-the-weeknd-drake-and-more-earn-new-u-k-certifications/
  53. https://www.facebook.com/EricAlperPR/posts/blurs-song-2-has-reached-1-billion-streams-on-spotify-released-in-1997-the-track/1170958444699830/
  54. https://www.nme.com/features/1997-2-1045364
  55. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/blur-187365/
  56. https://www.nme.com/photos/the-stories-behind-24-of-blur-s-greatest-tracks-1416171
  57. https://damonalbarnunofficial.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/q-magazine-april-1997/
  58. https://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/nme_500_greatest_songs_2014.html
  59. https://www.nme.com/lists/blur-their-10-greatest-hits-1093
  60. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/26/blurs-20-greatest-songs-ranked
  61. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/26/arts/music/britpop-blur-pulp.html
  62. https://pure.royalholloway.ac.uk/files/27633713/2017Luederscphd.pdf
  63. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281414015_Creative_Industries_and_Britpop_The_Marketisation_of_Culture_Politics_and_National_Identity
  64. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/blur-live-at-wembley-stadium/
  65. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6742298/
  66. https://www.alphavillejournal.com/Issue19/HTML/DossierMuller.html
  67. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/scope/documents/2014/february/caston1.pdf
  68. https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/short-history-british-music-video
  69. https://doi.org/10.33178/alpha.19.19
  70. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-blurs-woo-hoo-moment-745/
  71. https://www.spin.com/2023/06/blurs-10-greatest-live-performances/
  72. https://music.apple.com/us/song/song-2-live-in-hyde-park-london-3-7-09/693604107
  73. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwgw5eH3dAk
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbXnRxuVphQ
  75. https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/blur-live-in-london-wembley-setlist-photos-review-3466214
  76. https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/blur-midweek-uk-no-1-live-at-wembley-stadium-1235742071/
  77. https://www.whosampled.com/Blur/Song-2/covered/
  78. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHmP86mnP_M
  79. https://genius.com/Blur-song-2-sample/covers
  80. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvZBKaDQl5k
  81. https://www.whosampled.com/Blur/Song-2/sampled/
  82. https://genius.com/Blur-song-2-sample/samples
  83. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/09/blur-review-glorious-reunion-wembley-stadium-london
  84. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrS3H3EimSA
  85. https://theconversation.com/fifa-and-ea-sports-are-splitting-a-look-at-30-years-of-game-innovation-and-what-fans-can-expect-next-182851
  86. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4336906/2023/03/24/nhl-goal-songs-rankings/
  87. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-19240618
  88. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3971363/2022/12/07/sports-arenas-best-songs-rankings/
  89. https://variety.com/2023/music/news/blur-britpop-revival-1235684187/
  90. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/blur-documentary-to-the-end-now-streaming-live-at-wembley-concert-film-coming-soon/
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